Welsh football legend Mickey Thomas has candidly revealed how he is currently battling stomach cancer.

The much loved winger, who clocked up hundreds of caps for Wrexham , Man Utd and Wales, was diagnosed in January this year and is set to have chemotherapy to treat the disease.

A fundraising page has been set up to help Mickey, who works as a football pundit, pay bills while he is treated for the cancer.

Speaking to WalesOnline Thomas, now 64, said: "I've got a serious problem. I know that and I've got a big fight ahead of me obviously.

"It's one that I've not foreseen coming, but obviously it's happening and I've just got to get on with it.

"It's quite scary so I've just got to wait and see. I've obviously got a lot of treatments to come and lots of chemotherapy and an operation to come as well.

"I can only wait to see how I respond to that sort of treatment."

Thomas said he first noticed something wasn't right when he was having difficulty eating properly - having previously already undergone a minor operation to help him digest food.

"I've had a lot happen to me the last few weeks. It's been quite horrific for me really," he added.

Racecourse hero Mickey Thomas

"I've had a small operation already just so I can digest some food. I've not been able to eat properly for some time.

"I went to the doctor and said I wasn't feeling well. I couldn't eat, couldn't swallow. When I could eat I was getting sickness. They thought it must have been something else, so they didn't really have an idea what my problem was.

"I don't actually know (about the fundraising page).

"I was in hospital again yesterday, so I'm not aware of it at the moment.

"But I've got loads of support. I've had lots of people getting in touch and some very moving texts from people.

Read More

"As you can imagine, I've been having a little bit of a nightmare not knowing what or how bad it is.

"It's been such a massive time for me."

The fundraising page - set up online - has already raised £1,905 of a £20,000 target with messages of support for Mickey.

An entry on the page reads: "Mickey Thomas’s life has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, representing club and country at the highest level, including 90 appearances for his beloved Manchester United, but he is currently facing the biggest battle: beating cancer.

Mickey Thomas

"Diagnosed with stomach cancer in January 2019, Mickey starts chemo and radiotherapy treatment on 11th February, followed by an operation to remove the tumour and then another course of chemo.

"Unable to work while going through treatment, Mickey has no source of income, so his friends are getting together to raise money to help cover his living and travel expenses, plus some of the medical expenses related to the treatments he requires – including having all of his teeth replaced.

Read More

"He shouldn’t be worrying about money during this tough time; we want his focus to be on beating this awful disease and getting back with us all as soon as possible.

Mickey Thomas scores his famous goal against Arsenal

"Still such a presence around Old Trafford and very much a part of the United family, Mickey is one of the most loveable guys you could meet. He is full of life, fun-loving and generous beyond belief, so please give what you can and join us in supporting him in his fight.

During his career the 64-year-old, who was born in Mochdre in Conwy , also played for Everton, Brighton and Hove Albion, Stoke, Chelsea, Derby County and Leeds, making more than 750 appearances for club and country.

Read More

On the field he was an incredible dribbler, able to beat players, cross and score with one of his most memorable moments being when he smashed a stunning free-kick for Wrexham past Arsenal keeper David Seaman to help knock out the Gunners during a FA Cup tie in 1992 at the Racecourse.